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The tiny nation of Qatar is anything but little. In just two decades, this peninsular nation that protrudes like a short finger into the Arabian Gulf has systematically transformed its arid landscape into smart cities, fashionable neighborhoods, reclaimed land for high-life living, and cutting-edge venues to host the Fifa World Cup and the Grand Prix.
The 7km-long Corniche boardwalk, which is curved like a horseshoe and runs along the waterfront of Doha Bay to the city. From here, you can see the futuristic skyline of the West Bay neighborhoods, where financial and administrative hubs, ministries, and embassies rule the roost from svelte high-rise structures, some of which bear portraits of Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani.
However, through the lenses of its past, you can still see its old world—the one before oil and liquefied gas—winking at travelers. As an illustration, the Dhow boats that were once employed for pearl digging and have since been converted to pleasure cruises. Tourists can still channel their inner Laurence of Arabia and book a camel ride in the desert, and the rebuilt souq still offers indications at how things once were.
This is what I recommend you see and do:
Qatar National Museum (NMoQ)
The National Museum of Qatar, which was opened in 2019 on the site of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-original Thani's palace, should be the first stop. It is a massive 430,500 square foot area. It is a beautiful structure created by French architect Jean Nouvel, winner of the Pritzker Prize, who based it on the desert rose, a crystal formation found in the desert.
The narration is engrossing, the displays are equally magnificent, and the artifacts and films that explain how Qatar has changed through the centuries are illuminating. At least two hours are needed.
Take a look at Katara Cultural Village.
The Katara Cultural Village is situated halfway between West Bay and The Pearl island. There are many museums, the QM Gallery Katara, galleries, sculptures, and a wonderful beach in this sizable Islamic-style city.
It has two mosques, one of which was created by Turkish architect Zeynep Fadiloglu and has Persian and Turkish tile and enamel work in blue and gold tones reminiscent of Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace.
The tiny Gold Mosque, the second mosque, sparkles in the sunlight because to its gold tiles. There are a few oblong pigeon towers nearby that have holes and perches for the birds.
There’s an impressive amphitheatre and beyond is a lovely sculpture called The Force of Nature depicting Mother Nature hurling the world with a piece of cloth by Lorenzo Quinn.
Gallerie Lafayette shopping centre is on High Street, a beautiful street with the largest Cartier shop in the Middle East. It also uniquely comes with its own air-con – yes really. There are grills where cold air is pumped through to cool you down. I was glad to be wearing trousers, as a Marlyn Monroe moment would not do.
The Pearl of Qatar
The Pear of Qatar is an island that was developed as a high-end luxury neighborhood using reclaimed land. While the design exudes a Mediterranean flavor with luxurious houses and hotels that are reflected in the waters of a yacht-filled harbor, its name honors those exhilarating days of pearl diving. Non-Qataris can only purchase real estate here in Qatar.
Although shopping is a major attraction, simply strolling around or sipping coffee while listening to birds sing overhead and watching glistening boats bob on their laurels is extremely pleasant.
Study paddleboarding
Consider pausing your leisurely stroll and cup of local coffee at The Pearl to go paddleboarding for an amazing experience. You will be taken out on the water by the neighborhood school, and before long you'll be paddleboarding like a pro.
Hit a camel with a sand dune or ridge in the desert.
A 10-minute camel ride is followed by an adrenaline-pumping rush into the desert in an air-conditioned 4x4 to climb, crest, and descend high-reaching sand dunes on an organized trip. Dune bashing is a well-liked activity among both residents and visitors.
In order to see the sunset, this tour makes a halt at the Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), which borders the Saudi border.
Souq Waqif
The Souq Waqif in Doha is a cultural treat and essentially the only site to see how Qatar used to be, sort of. The city's past appearance can be inferred from the architecture. There, people buy and sell carpets and spices. A falcon, the cherished national bird kept as a pet, ceramics, a pashmina, traditional lanterns, a rubaba (a sort of square, decorative violin with a single string), or even an Arabian horse, may be purchased there. Prices can often be negotiated, so don't be afraid to exercise your negotiating techniques.
The main benefit is that it's sociable. It is here that Qataris enjoy going to bars to socialize, smoke the local flavored tobacco shisha, and sip Karak, a sweet ginger tea, or Gahwa, a coffee made with Columbian beans, cardamom, and a dash of saffron. It's customary to indulge in snacks while sipping tea and coffee with a date. A modest funfair with carousels and other kid-friendly rides is also present.The main benefit is that it's sociable. It is here that Qataris enjoy going to bars to socialize, smoke the local flavored tobacco shisha, and sip Karak, a sweet ginger tea, or Gahwa, a coffee made with Columbian beans, cardamom, and a dash of saffron. It's customary to indulge in snacks while sipping tea and coffee with a date. A modest funfair with carousels and other kid-friendly rides is also present.
Islamic art museum
The Museum of Islamic Art is built of limestone and is directly across from Souq Waqif. The majority of its extensive collection, some of which date back to the 7th and 9th centuries, is made up of jewelry, textiles, and calligraphy.
Aspire Park
Doha has not neglected to incorporate vegetation into its desert setting among all the high rises, as evidenced by the 88 hectare Aspire Park, which is the largest in the city. It is a great place to stroll in the late afternoon light and features fountains, ponds, and kids' play areas.
Shopping Centers
The Villagio Mall, which is in the Aspire Zone, is arguably the most lovely. This 200-store mall was designed with Venice as its architectural model, and it even has interior Venetian canals where gondola rides are available. City Centre Doha, the largest retail center, contains an ice skating rink and its own movie theater.
Observe Msheireb in Doha's center.
Msheireb, which translates to "a place to drink water" in Arabic, is a brand-new neighborhood in Doha that has been constructed from the ground up to replace the previous town of the same name. Solar panels generate the majority of the electricity, making it a renewable source of energy.
With its whitewashed architecture, shining white mosques, and collection of historical museums housed in magnificent, Arabic-style homes, it is sprinkled with little pots of flora, trees, and fountains and looks stylish and new. Large open areas are cooled by extensive subterranean cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature. With its convenient, cost-free electric tram service, getting about is simple.
And lastly... Eat outside
The Middle East serves as the menu's starting point as it travels across the Americas, Asia, and Southern Europe. It will undoubtedly be sunny, so make plans to sit outside and take in the breathtaking sea views of the high-rise buildings and the beach in the distance as the dhows perform their duties on the water.
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